Year in review: Research from 2021 on diet and exercise

Ahead of the New Year’s resolution season, Healio recaps some of its 2021 coverage on diet and exercise research.

One of the top stories of the year explored differences between evidence-based and internet-based ketogenic diet teachings. Other stories included study findings regarding the impact of exercise on metabolic syndrome risk and the health benefits of eating a high-fiber breakfast.

David S. Seres, MD, ScM, PNS, FASPEN, the director of medical nutrition and an associate clinical ethicist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, said that while most of the research remains based on observational studies, “the preponderance of these continue to support the health benefits of activity and a healthy diet.”

Read some of Healio’s coverage of diet and exercise research below:

10 differences between evidence-based vs. internet-based keto diet teachings

Many misconceptions about the ketogenic diet are spread on the internet, an expert told attendees at the Obesity Medicine Association fall conference. Read more.

Healthy diet, exercise linked to reduced risk for metabolic syndrome later in life

Adherence to guideline-recommended physical activity or diet conferred benefits for cardiometabolic health later in life; however, adherence to both may confer the greatest risk reductions, researchers reported. Read more.

Eating breakfast lowers risk for death

Eating breakfast regularly, especially when the meal included more than 25 grams of fiber, was linked to lower overall and cardiovascular mortality, a cohort study showed. Read more.

Afternoon vs. morning exercise offers greater benefit for men at high metabolic risk

Men with excess weight or type 2 diabetes may reap more pronounced metabolic benefits from exercise when training is performed in the afternoon vs. morning, according to findings from a small, retrospective study. Read more.

Participants favor 5:2 diet over traditional weight loss advice

Both the 5:2 diet and standard weight management advice were associated with modest weight loss results, but the 5:2 diet received significantly higher ratings among participants, according to findings published in PLoS One. Read more.

Walking at least 7,000 steps a day may lower mortality risk

Men and women who took at least 7,000 steps per day had a 50% to 70% lower risk for mortality than those who took fewer than 7,000 steps per day, according to findings published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

Only 7% of US adults meet daily fiber intake recommendation

Just 7.4% of U.S. adults met the Institute of Medicine’s recommended daily adequate intake of 14 g of fiber for every 1,000 kcals, data from a recent 5-year period show. Read more.

Q&A: Taking breaks from sitting improves fasting glucose, glycemic variability

Frequent breaks from sitting for 3 weeks lowered fasting glucose and glycemic variability in adults with obesity, according to findings published in the American Journal of Physiology. Read more.

Q&A: Proper supplement use starts with patient-provider discussions

A recent survey showed that 76% of U.S. adults take at least one supplement, and 29% said they are taking more supplements today than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.

Increasing exercise intensity offers additional health benefits

Although most health benefits associated with meeting recommended weekly exercise goals can be achieved through moderate physical activity, increasing vigorous physical activity can come with added health benefits, researchers said. Read more.